Following an eventful 2025, boxing is gearing up for a major surge in 2026, with several high-profile bouts already set to take place early in the year. As usual, CBS Sports’ boxing analysts are making bold forecasts for what lies ahead.
Expectations for 2026 include a shift in the pound-for-pound rankings, a highly anticipated, potentially volatile rematch, and a host of blockbuster fights lined up throughout the year. Here’s a breakdown of what fans can look forward to inside the ring.
Highlight from 2025: Terrence Crawford was named Fighter of the Year after his landmark victory over Canelo Alvarez.
Shakur Stevenson’s Rise to Pound-for-Pound Supremacy
Though already a three-division champ and scheduled to fight for a fourth title on January 31, 28-year-old southpaw Shakur Stevenson from Newark, New Jersey, took some time to realize the magnitude of his potential stardom and critical acclaim. A combination of injuries and an inconsistent effort held him back for a while, but 2026 looks poised to be a breakout year. In July, Stevenson showcased his discipline by defeating undefeated William Zepeda, opting for a more aggressive inside fighting approach that enhanced his reputation. Next, he’ll face lineal 140-pound champ Teofimo Lopez Jr. in January—his toughest fight yet and one that, if victorious, could solidify his position among the top five pound-for-pound fighters. Stevenson has also expressed plans to move up to welterweight later this year, providing further opportunities to demonstrate his elite status. With recent retirements from stars like Terrence Crawford, Oleksandr Usyk, and Naoya Inoue aging, Stevenson’s chance to dominate the scene is within reach. — Brian Campbell
Massive Matchups Amidst a Transforming Boxing Landscape
Though changes like the launch of Zuffa Boxing and legal reforms potentially threaten protections under the Ali Act—raising concerns about fewer big matchups—2026 is already loaded with exciting fights. Aside from Stevenson vs. Lopez, intriguing clashes include Vergil Ortiz vs. Jaron “Boots” Ennis at junior middleweight and a long-awaited Japanese mega-fight between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani. March will feature a junior lightweight unification bout between Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez and Emmanuel Navarrete, both top contenders. The year’s latter half depends on fighter availability and outcomes, with Oleksandr Usyk planning a few final fights before retirement—possibly including a bout with Deontay Wilder—and David Benavidez eyeing a move to cruiserweight to challenge Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez’s WBA title in May. Overall, 2026 promises to be one of the strongest years for boxing in recent memory. — Brent Brookhouse
The Prospect of a Mayweather-Pacquiao Rematch
Despite skepticism, talks about a second fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have surfaced. Pacquiao nearly agreed to a rematch and prefers a professional fight in Vegas over an exhibition. Having recently returned to active competition after a four-year break, Pacquiao’s pursuit of this high-profile bout makes sense. Mayweather remains the wildcard amid rumors of financial troubles and his openness to professional fights despite retiring in 2017. A rematch would likely be the most-watched pay-per-view match ever and could find a home on Netflix, which is pursuing major boxing events. While the chances of this fight happening are uncertain, fans will undoubtedly follow every development closely. — Shakiel Majuli
Fan Take:
This outlook on boxing in 2026 is thrilling for fight fans because it signals a fresh era packed with dynamic talent and landmark matchups. If these predictions hold true, the sport could enjoy renewed mainstream excitement and competitiveness, helping boxing regain its status as a top global spectacle.
